by Ralph Nichols

A few days before the official grand opening of SCORE – South Correctional Entity Multijurisdictional Misdemeanant Jail – I was ushered into this $52 million facility.

I wasn’t there as an inmate, nothing that eye raising, but as a reporter for a look around the inside before it started receiving those on the wrong side of the law.

SCORE is the result of King County’s notice to suburban cities a few years ago that, by 2012, they would need their own jail facilities because county jails could then no longer accept their inmates accused or convicted of misdemeanor crimes.

Reacting to that announcement, Burien, Des Moines, Tukwila, SeaTac, Renton, Auburn and Federal Way joined together to build a new jail. Six of the cities forged a financing package. Des Moines is the host city.

The 16 acres on which SCORE is built is land donated by the Port of Seattle just south of Sea-Tac International Airport.

“We made it happen!” Des Moines Mayor Bob Sheckler, vice chairman of the SCORE Board of Directors, declared at the outset of this tour.

The 164,000 square foot facility has a capacity for housing 813 inmates, which will allow for increased demand for jail space in the future. Currently SCORE’s member cities have about 400 misdemeanor inmates scattered in jails around the state.

Des Moines Mayor Bob Sheckler at the opening dedication of SCORE. In the background is Jail Director Penny Bartley.

There are 29 inmate beds dedicated for medical housing. Most inmate health problems are related to drugs and alcohol, SCORE Director Penny Bartley noted.

SCORE has almost 150 full-time-equivalent staff positions, including correctional officers and food and medical services – which include 24-hour care.

Member cities will fund SCORE operations with payments totaling approximately $11million annually, which is “cheaper, a considerable savings,” than what the cities collectively were paying contract cities for jail services, Sheckler said.

SCORE, added Sheckler, “is really high tech … it is state of the art” with steel cells and unique construction and building materials. Although under an airport flight path, the facility is soundproofed so on the inside planes can’t be heard flying overhead.

Bartley said about 60 percent of SCORE inmates will be there as pre-trial holds. About 72 percent will be there for two weeks, which is the average stay. Most will be charged with driving under the influence, fourth-degree assault, and driving without a license.

A unique efficiency in this jail is video arraignment capabilities to reduce the number of inmates transported to municipal and district courts. Judges will be in their courtrooms, while defendants, their attorneys, and translators if required will appear before them on SCORE’s video facilities.

Visitors except attorneys will talk with inmates on a separate video hookup outside the cellblocks.

SCORE is divided into two large housing units that hold 400 inmates each. Those units, in turn, are divided into eight sections each with single, double and some four-bunk cells. The capacity of these pods varies from 22-70 inmates.

Female inmates are housed separately. Even if just one woman is in custody at SCORE, she will be segregated from the male population in a separate cell pod.

Inmate security classification on intake at the jail is based on their criminal history, the charge(s) against them, and their behavior,” Bartley continued.

“If you can’t play nice with others, you’ll be kept in a single cell 23 hours a day,” with dietary balanced “blended” meals brought to the cell.

“It’s like pre-school,” she said. “We go back to teach people who never learned the things other people did. For example, if you don’t make your bed, you don’t get breakfast. And it’s a privilege to get a sheet,” which is a suicide hazard for some inmates.

Inmates are allowed outdoor recreation three hours a week, and have access to some television, some magazines, and board games, but checkers is played only with clear pieces for security.

Phone privileges, except those from inmates’ attorneys, are based on an inmate’s security status. Only collect calls are allowed for outgoing calls.

The new jail also has space for programs to help inmates prepare for re-entry into society and plan for community transition.

Sheckler said inmates will not be released in Des Moines except for those sentenced there. The others will be returned to the member cities where they were sentenced for release.

On Tuesday (Dec. 21) the King County Sheriff’s Department announced that they are seeking the public’s help in finding what they are calling the “He or She” robber, who has struck area pharmacies three times in the past few months.

Police believe the armed robber is dressing to conceal her gender, which was originally thought to be male. But now detectives believe the suspect is actually a female – check out these surveillance pics:

“The He/She robber heads to the pharmacy counter and asks for oxycodone,” said Sgt. John Urquhart in a statement. “In at least one of the robberies a pistol was waived around while the pharmacist complied.”

The robber is described as short and stout. She wears bulky clothing under a heavy coat, a hat and hoodie, sometimes a wig, and manages to conceal most of her face with hair from the wig or with a scarf.

The first robbery was the Burien Walgreen’s store located at 14565 Ambaum Blvd. SW on Sept. 30th at about 9:30pm. The robber wore a gray hoodie, blond wig, and a straw hat. She brandished a handgun during the robbery.

The same Walgreen’s was hit again on Nov. 22nd about 12:15am. This time the suspect wore a light-colored trench coat, hood and a beanie hat, with a scarf that covered most of her face. A gun was implied.

On Dec. 16th about 2:45am, store employees believe the same suspect was at Walgreen’s again, inside the store. For some reason the robber didn’t act and left the store before Sheriff’s deputies arrived. Not long afterwards the Walgreen’s in Renton was robbed. Both Renton and Sheriff’s detectives believe the same person is responsible for this robbery as well.

The suspect is described as a black female, quite heavy set between 5’ 5” and 5’ 8”, at least 200 to 225 lbs. She has dark skin and wears a coat and other bulky clothes and tries to conceal her face.

If anyone recognizes the suspect they are asked to call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 9-1-1.

CrimeStoppers is offering up to a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect. Call 1-800-222-TIPS.

Another reward, up to $1,000, is available from Rx Patrol at (203) 588-7614 or their web site at www.rxpatrol.org.

Burien’s Hi-Liners’ DownStage Center are holding two special productions this summer for just $10 per ticket – Disney’s Cinderella for Kids and Beauty and the Beast Jr. – with performances beginning Friday, July 16th and continuing through July 18th.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Hi-Liners’ Our DownStage Center Productions of:

WHERE: Renton Carco Theatre (located at 1717 SE Maple Valley Highway, Renton; 425-430-6706)

WHEN: July 16 ~18, 2010 (all seats are reserved)

• Cinderella KIDS Show Times:
  July 16 ~ 5:30pm
  July 17 ~ 5:30pm
  July 18 ~ 1:00pm

• Beauty and the Beast Jr. Show Times
  July 16 ~ 7:30pm
  July 17 ~ 7:30pm
  July 18 ~ 3:00pm

TICKETS: Click HERE to purchase tickets!

INFO:

	The timeless fairy tale meets the magic of Disney in this adaptation of the treasured animated film. Poor Cinderella is endlessly mistreated by her wicked stepmother and stepsisters, and denied a chance to go to the Royal Ball. With a little help from her mice friends, and a lot of help from her Fairy Godmother, Cinderella goes to the ball, meets the Prince, and falls in love! With a beautiful score including “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes” and the classic “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo,” this musical will charm its way into your heart, and remind you that dreams really can come true. All Seats are $10.00 All Seating is reserved.	Purchase Tickets HERE
	You will be transported to a lovely French provincial town where the beautiful Belle lives with her father – a dotty inventor. When her father doesn’t return from a trip to the local fair, Belle rushes off to find him. To her dismay, she discovers he is being held captive in an old castle by a horrible beast. She trades her freedom for his and the “tale as old as time” begins. How Belle tames the unfortunate Beast and his ultimate transformation into a handsome prince continues to enthrall audiences. Filled with spectacular costume and set opportunities, or even more simply staged, Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Jr. offers a great opportunity to bring your entire community together for family theatre at its best.	Purchase Tickets HERE

Burien’s own and new B-town Blog Advertiser Poggi Bonsi has been selected by the Italian Trade Commission as one of only 20 retailers in the United States to host the 2010 “Made in Italy” national promotion.

This event will take place in their new Renton Landing location, at 920 N. 10th Place across from the Regal Cinemas “The Landing” theater.

Poggi Bonsi is a locally-owned, independent retailer specializing in “Gourmet Gifts with European Flavor.” From now through May 22nd, the work of Italian artisans – including hand painted ceramics, terra cotta, jewelry, olive oil and more – will be featured in its store at The Landing in Renton.

On Sunday, May 16 from 4-7pm, Poggi Bonsi will host a reception featuring Italian food and wine.

Poggi Bonsi co-owners Michelle Codd and Keli DeRitis.

“Poggi Bonsi is honored to serve as the Commission’s representative in this nationwide promotion. We have been importing Italian products since 2001 and we’re delighted to have been selected to participate in this event.” said Keli DeRitis, co-owner. “We are excited for this opportunity to share traditional craftsmanship and Italian hospitality with our customers.” adds business partner, Michelle Codd.

The Italian Trade Commission works to increase awareness of Italian-made products around the world. In this campaign, shops in smaller yet strategic American cities were chosen to bring the “Made in Italy” brand to new customers and to help increase awareness of Italian quality and design. More than 50 Italian companies will participate in this national promotion. Renton is the only venue represented for this promotion in the Pacific Northwest.

Poggi Bonsi's new store is at The Landing in Renton, 920 N. 10th Pl.

About Poggi Bonsi
Poggi Bonsi (www.poggibonsigifts.com) is a direct importer of Italian ceramics, French pottery, Italian olive wood utensils, and fine European linens. In addition to its imported goods, Poggi Bonsi features an assortment of European kitchenware, specialty foods and home decor celebrating the Mediterranean lifestyle. The name Poggi Bonsi (pronounced POE-jee-BONE-see) is taken from the village of “Poggibonsi” in central Tuscany. Owners Michelle Codd and Keli DeRitis have traveled hundreds of miles in the European countryside seeking out suppliers who practice their centuries-old crafts. Poggi Bonsi has two retail stores in the Seattle Area — One in the Olde Burien Shopping District and another at The Landing in Renton, as well as an online store which ships good throughout the United States.

About Made in Italy 2010
Made in Italy 2010 (www.italiangiftware.com) – Starting in March 2010 a series of in-store events will promote “Made in Italy” throughout the country. Products from 70 great emerging Italian companies will be presented in top stores in 18 States across the United States.

[Would you like to have a “Blogvertorial” story, Ad and/or Event Listing like this on a popular, fast-growing website seen by over 51,000 interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

Burien’s Hi-Liners “High School Musical 2 On Stage!” wraps up this weekend, with performances Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Renton Carco Theater.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Hi-Liners’ “High School Musical 2 On Stage!”

WHEN: Final performances:

• Friday April 30~ 7:30pm
• Saturday May 1~ 7:30pm
• Sunday May 2~ 1:30pm

WHERE: All performances will be held at the Renton Carco Theater, 1717 SE Maple Valley Highway in Renton.

COST: Tickets are $15.00 for all seats. All seats are reserved.

CLICK HERE to purchase tickets online.

INFO: From their website:

What time is it? Summer time! School’s out—and the Wildcats are back for an all new adventure. Join Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay, Ryan and the rest of the East High gang as they dive into the enchanted world of Lava Springs Country Club and put their talent to the ultimate test!

• Book by David Simpatico
• Songs by Matthew Gerrard and Robbie Nevil and David N. Lawrence and Faye Greenberg and Randy Petersen and Kevin Quinn and Jamie Houston and Andy Dodd and Adam Watts.

Based on the Disney Channel Original Movie written by Peter Barsocchini. ( Two Acts ~ Rated G )

In 1966 Mr. William A Moeller, a teacher in the Highline School District in Burien, Washington founded a high school summer program he called The Hi-Liners. This group quickly evolved from a summer group into a year ’round district wide performing group. The Hi-Liners performed extensively in the Western United States in the early 1970′s and was widely respected and sought after for performances such as the 737 rollout ceremony, National Governors Conference, NEA National Convention and many other notable events. The group even received very favorable recognition in the prestigious New Yorker Magazine and was compared to other more nationally known groups such as “Up with People”.

Each year we have simple goals: As an organization to learn something new and apply that learning to make our program better, to open at least one young mind to the magic of live musical theater and the unique talents they each possess.

It is a journey of creativity we hope you will all join us on that journey.

The “Burst for Prosperity” initiative seeks to reduce poverty in Washington State, and they’re holding their annual meeting on Tuesday, May 4th.

The public is invited.

Burst is currently expanding its work to impact a greater number of people living in poverty and continue to positively affect change in the regional and statewide systems that directly impact low-income individuals and families.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Burst for Prosperity Annual Meeting.

WHEN: Tuesday, May 4th from 6pm to 8:30pm.

WHERE: Renton Community Center, located at 1715 SE Maple Valley Hwy., Renton, 98057.

INFO: Dinner & Highlights of the 2009 Burst for Prosperity Initiatives; an initiative of Children’s Home Society of Washington.

RSVP: Contact Sylvia Villareal at 206.527.3882 or sylviav@chs-wa.org.

From an email:

Come Join Us! Burst for Prosperity Annual Meeting.

We want to personally invite you to the Burst for Prosperity 3rd Annual Meeting to highlight our 2009 accomplishments and partnerships to the community. We will be reporting on many of the exciting strategic initiatives that are changing systems to provide greater opportunity for people in our communities to move out of poverty permanently. The meeting will feature residents and organizational partners who have worked closely with us and are the reason for our success. We want to take this opportunity to share these stories with you!

The Burst for Prosperity Initiative seeks to reduce poverty in Washington State by researching and testing innovative models informed by the community that transform systems to help people achieve financial independence.

In a recent poll, more than half of Washington State residents reported a permanent downward change in spending habits, and nearly a third of households have experienced unemployment or have difficulty paying for necessities like rent and heat.

Burst is currently expanding its work to impact a greater number of people living in poverty and continue to positively affect change in the regional and statewide systems that directly impact low-income individuals and families.

More information available at the Burst for Prosperity website.

The Kent Police Department has created a website showcasing photos of 160 recovered stolen items including electronics, wallets, purses, backpacks, stereos, baby clothes and even a wedding dress; some of which may have been originally swiped in the Burien/South King County area.

According to police, a man and woman who are suspected of breaking into more than 100 cars have been busted. Now, they want to return the stolen items to their rightful owners.

The suspects were apparently caught when they used stolen credit cards at local businesses. Police then followed their trail and recovered the stolen stuff in a storage locker as well as at local pawn shops.

According to the website:

Suspects Mode of Operation:

Type of crime: Vehicle prowls (car break ins)

Method of entry: Break window or force door lock

Types of vehicles: Different types and styles but they favored FORD F-series trucks

Property targeted: luggage, purses, laptop computers, GPS units, assorted tools, backpacks, cameras, MP3 players, I-Pods, cell phones, CD players, car stereos, jewelry, anything of value.

Estimated time range of criminal activity: Past 3-4 months

Focus area of vehicle prowl activity: Kent, Tukwila, Renton, SeaTac, Burien, South Seattle, Unincorporated areas of South King County. Collateral areas that may have been impacted as well are: Des Moines, Federal Way, Auburn, Bellevue.

If you were the victim of a car break-in between Oct. 1, 2009 and Feb. 4, 2010, your stolen items may be in police custody – check this website now and see if you recognize anything; if you do, contact Officer Bateman at (253) 856-5894 or via email: kbateman@ci.kent.wa.us.

The recovered stolen property includes (click on links below to see individual pics):

Is this your Pirate Stuff? The Kent PD might have it...

• Laptops
• Cell phones
• MP3 players
• Car Stereos
• Unusual, miscellaneous stuff like:
  • Baby clothes
  • Wedding dress
  • Ford Truck Manuals
    
  • “Pirate Stuff“
  • Swords
  • “Aiming for Barcelona” Belt Buckle

Some items have been claimed and returned, but most are still in evidence and awaiting rightful return to their owners – so check out the website here.

The King County Sheriff’s Department announced Tuesday (Jan. 19th) that they have arrested two men they allege had committed numerous “takeover” robberies, including the Jan. 13th one of the Silver Dollar Casino in SeaTac.

The men were alleged to be involved in robberies of casinos, a bank, and a check cashing business in SeaTac, Renton, Shoreline, Lynnwood and Snohomish County.

According to Sgt. John Urquhart, during these takeover robberies, the men would typically wear masks and gloves, as well as often carrying shotguns in each hand. These types of crimes are dramatic, and are considered especially dangerous to victims, witnesses and bystanders.

The two bad guys were arrested Friday morning (Jan. 15th) around 1:45am, after a Shoreline patrol sergeant noticed a suspicious vehicle parked near two casinos on N. 167th. He pulled in behind the car and the driver quickly drove off. A short pursuit ensued until the sergeant used a PIT maneuver and the car was stopped near NE 163rd and Ashworth. The driver took off running and the passenger was taken into custody. The arrested man is 46 years old from Seattle.

The driver initially escaped, but evidence recovered led detectives to believe these two were involved in numerous armed robberies.

After further investigation, the second man was arrested at his home in Edmonds late Friday afternoon. He is 34 years old.

Detectives from at least four jurisdictions were looking for these two armed robbers who “takeover” the business being robbed.

Takeover-style robberies are considered especially dangerous to victims, witnesses, and bystanders. These robbers are considered armed and dangerous!

In some of the robberies one of the suspects carries a shotgun in one hand and a shotgun the other.

Robbery Details: Both robbers wore masks and gloves. A puffy black jacket was worn in several of the robberies. One of the robbers fires his gun into the air during two of the robberies.

Here’s the dates and locations of the robberies:

• October 26th 1:40pm. Check to Cash in Renton on Rainier Ave South. A shotgun and pistol were displayed.
• October 29th 3:00pm. Bank of America in Lynnwood along SW 196th. One suspect has guns in both hands, a shotgun and pistol. The other man is armed “only” with a pistol. A shot is fired as they exit the bank.
• November 13th 6:30am. Goldie’s Casino in Shoreline. Only one suspect inside the casino, armed with a shotgun and pistol. He robs the casino’s cash cage and gets into a waiting vehicle driven by another suspect. A shot is fired as he flees the area.
• December 2nd 7:00pm. Royal Casino, Snohomish County, along SR99. Lone robber armed with a shotgun and pistol.
• January 13th 5:00am. Silver Dollar Casino, City of SeaTac along International Blvd. Two suspects, one armed with a shotgun and pistol, the other with a pistol.

In addition, other area robberies may be related but have not yet been linked.

Formal charges are expected later this week.

Here’s surveillance video from Goldie’s Casino of these robbers in action:

Click here to view the embedded video.

King County Public Health announced Monday (Nov. 30th) that it is opening up four free H1N1 vaccine clinics beginning this Saturday, Dec. 5th, then again on Wednesday, Dec. 9th, as a way to provide access to people at highest risk for H1N1 influenza (swine flu) who cannot afford to pay.

The nearest clinics will be in Renton or Federal Way, with 4,000 doses total (distributed to all 4 sites) available on Saturday, Dec. 5th, from 9am to 5pm and 1,000 doses total on Wednesday, Dec. 9th, from Noon to 7pm; here’s the list:

• Renton Public Health Center (3001 NE 4th St., Renton)
• Federal Way Public Health Center (33431 13th Place S., Federal Way)
• Columbia Public Health Center (4400 37th Ave S., Seattle)
• North Public Health Center (10501 Meridian Ave N., Seattle)

Future clinic dates will be scheduled as more vaccine becomes available.

According to a press release:

More H1N1 influenza vaccine continues to arrive every week, and most vaccine is still going to local health care providers for at risk patients. Local pharmacies are also receiving limited ongoing allocations.

“As more vaccine comes into the community, we’re continuing to allocate limited amounts to people without insurance or who can’t afford to pay,” said Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County. “We encourage people to seek H1N1 vaccine through their health care providers or through pharmacies if they can afford the administrative cost or if insurance covers it.”

An estimated 280,000 people in King County who are at high-risk for complications have already been vaccinated for H1N1 influenza and an additional 90,000 doses of vaccine is on the ground or in the process of being shipped to vaccine providers in the county. Though flu illness seems to have peaked locally, at least temporarily, H1N1 illness continues in the community, and vaccination is the best wait to protect against H1N1 influenza.

On December 5, there will be a total of 4,000 doses of vaccine available across the four sites, and on December 9, there will be 1,000 doses of vaccine. Vaccinations are first come, first served, and no reservations will be taken. If demand is high, people will be given a time later that day to return for a guaranteed vaccination. Once supply is exhausted, people will be told as soon as they arrive.

The ability to pay will be determined on the honor system, and it will be assumed that people getting vaccinated at one of the four clinics cannot afford the administrative cost of H1N1 vaccination.

Most of the vaccine arriving to King County continues to be allocated to health care providers so that they can vaccinate patients who are most at risk, including:

• Pregnant women
• People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
• People between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old
• People between 25 through 64 years of age with chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems
• Healthcare and emergency workers

People who are recommended to receive H1N1 vaccine should continue to seek it. Vaccine supply is gradually improving each week, and it is expected that eventually there will be enough vaccine in King County for anyone who wants it.

Visit the Public Health H1N1 influenza website at www.kingcounty.gov/health/H1N1 for updates on vaccine availability in the community or call the Flu Hotline at 1-877-903-KING (5464), which is staffed with operators to answer questions from King County residents about H1N1 influenza. Hours of operation with operators are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, with special 24-hour nurse line service extended over this weekend for people with flu seeking medical care advice. Recorded information is available 24 hours a day.

Veteran’s Day is this coming Wednesday, Nov. 11th, and Brown Bear Car Wash will be honoring vets and current service military (as well as spouses) with free car washes all day.

The nearest location is the one in Des Moines, located at 22706 Marine View Drive; others are in Federal Way, Kent, Auburn and Renton (see list below).

As a way of saying “thanks” to our military, Brown Bear will be offering free “Bear Essential” car washes to all current or former members of the military, including spouses.

“Our organization is proud to honor veterans and service personnel,” said Brown Bear President and founder Vic Odermat, himself a Marine Corps veteran. “While the washes are free, we know that freedom is not. This is a way for us to show our support and gives us a unique opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to people who sacrifice so incredibly for our freedom.”

Odermat said the offer will operate on an honor system and no verification or documentation is required. Drivers should identify themselves as a current or former member of the military to the wash attendant.

Odermat started Brown Bear in Seattle in 1957 with one location. They now own and operates car washes throughout the Puget Sound area and Spokane.

Here’s a list of participating locations nearby:

• 22706 Marine View Dr., Des Moines
• 34017 Hoyt Rd. SW, Federal Way
• 814 Auburn Way S, Auburn
• 1202 W Meeker St., Kent
• 800 S Grady Way, Renton
• 621 Rainier Ave. S, Renton
• 77 Rainier Ave. S, Renton